​Is there such a thing as "FASTING" in Christianity?

Recently, I had a great conversation with a college going girl on the subject of FASTING. She told me, “There is NO such a thing as FASTING in Christianity, and I love how other religions have days/dates set aside for fasting which I miss out.” She even gave me an example that believers don't fast on Easter or Christmas or any other day in particular. She is fascinated about fasting and wants to fast.

I tried explaining to her that there are 2 types of fasting ~ one led by God and other based on religious dates and rituals (the one she was talking about). I told her, “I am familiar with the religion/ritual based fasting. In the past, I used to fast on specific days of the month, certain days of the week to appease my Hindu god/goddess, and I would even fast for auspicious festivals. It certainly helped discipline me and cleanse me from my toxic thoughts/emotions, but it wasn’t God led.”

I further told her that FASTING is very much prevalent in Christianity. Jesus himself has set an example for us when he fasted for 40 days. There are stories after stories of people in the Bible who fasted as and when they wanted God’s intervention in their difficult situations. They didn’t follow any religious rules or specific dates for fasting. They simply inquired of God first and then fasted based on His instructions.

Joel 2:12, "Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Nehemiah 1:4, "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."

Matthew 4:1-2, "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."

As a matter of fact, Christians fast even today as and when the Holy Spirit prompts them to do. I told her that it’s best to wait and be led by God as far as fasting goes rather than doing it for the sake of some religious obligation or performance. God led fasting will ALWAYS bring godly and fruitful results!
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She was surprised to hear all about it, so I suggested that she should read the Bible in order to have a better understanding on the subject of FASTING. Believing the Holy Spirit will guide her, minister to her, and give her revelation on this topic.